Thai police seize heroin believed headed for Australia

"Social Buzz": the number of times this article has been shared across major social media networks

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai police says they have seized 147 kilograms (323 pounds) of heroin they believe was destined for Australia. They claim the street value of the seized drugs would have been 3 billion baht ($96 million).

Thai deputy police chief Maj. Gen. Somyot Pumpanmuang said Wednesday that two men— a Thai and a Malaysian — were arrested on trafficking charges when police seized the heroin in the Andaman Sea port city of Ranong.

He said the Tuesday night seizure came after Australian police tipped off their Thai counterparts about the haul. The drugs were wrapped in 420 packets that were to be hidden in frozen seafood containers.

Somyot said police believed the heroin originated in Burma and had been smuggled across Thailand’s northern border.

Subscribe to Asian Correspondent

Receive our weekly round-up of the most important stories in Asia

We will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.